What is Still's syndrome?
James Williams
Updated on May 08, 2026
Adult Still's disease is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis that features fevers, rash and joint pain. Some people have just one episode of adult Still's disease. In other people, the condition persists or recurs. This inflammation can destroy affected joints, particularly the wrists.
What is Still's disease caused from?
The cause of AOSD is unknown (idiopathic). Researchers believe that the disorder might be caused by a combination of genetic factors and an abnormal or exaggerated response to infections or other environmental exposures. AOSD is not a hereditary disease and usually does not run in families.Is there a cure for Still's disease?
Adult-onset Still's disease typically affects adults under age 35. Fewer than 1 in 100,000 people get it each year. There is no cure, but you can control your symptoms with treatment.What is another name for Still's disease?
Adult-onset Still's disease is also called adult Still's disease and Wissler-Fanconi syndrome. This form of arthritis has no known cause. Some 76% of people are diagnosed with this disease before the age of 35.Is Still's disease the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
In 1971, adult Still's disease was established for adult patients who did not meet the criteria for classic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but displayed features similar to those described in pediatric Still's disease.Still's Disease - Mayo Clinic
What are the early signs of Still's disease?
Most people with adult Still's disease have a combination of the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever. You might have a daily fever of at least 102 F (38.9 C) for a week or longer. ...
- Rash. A salmon-pink rash might come and go with the fever. ...
- Sore throat. ...
- Achy and swollen joints. ...
- Muscle pain.
How long can you live with Still's disease?
The mean duration of adult Still's disease was 10 years. Approximately half of patients continued to require medication even 10 years after diagnosis. Patients had significantly higher levels of pain, physical disability, and psychological disability when compared with the controls.Can Covid cause Still's disease?
Including this laboratory parameter, symptoms similar to COVID-19 have been observed in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, and septic shock, which has led to the proposal of a concept called 'hyperferritinemic syndromes'.Is Still's disease like lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus and Still's disease are chronic autoimmune disorders of unknown etiology. Symptomatology of these diseases may be similar causing diagnostic difficulties. Long-term observation and immunological studies are essential to identify the definite disorder.Is Still's disease a form of rheumatoid arthritis?
Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare type of arthritis that is thought to be autoummune or autoinflammatory. It has similar symptoms to systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis -- fever, rash and joint pain. It begins in adulthood, so it's compared to rheumatoid arthritis.What does lupus rash look like on legs?
Ring-shaped rashIn people with subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), the rash looks like scaly red patches or ring shapes. This rash usually appears on parts of the body that are exposed to sun, such as the arms, shoulders, neck, chest, and trunk.